Load Bearing Rigs
LBT-1195A Flotation Harness
Description from Mr. Tom J. Paxton (collector from Croatia)
“The LBT-1195A flotation harness is made after the Israeli Ephod A-10 harness (first ones made in the 70'). LBT started making their version in the late 80'/early 90'. The earliest one made (known so far) is 1991 dated, there might be an even earlier made one, but it's not confirmed. This one is dated 1993 and has the 3rd type LBT label- silver label (used from 1990-1994). The LBT-1195A was used by US Navy SEALS in rifleman or gunner configuration. Its build in flotation panels give comfort but also make it easier to carry the heavy load when going through water.”
Field picture: sourced from Goggle Image.
Black Hawk Industries Navy SEAL M60 Gunner Rig
Black Hawk Industries Load Bearing Flotation Harness shares a similar design with the LBT-1195A Flotation Harness. Both rigs were heavily inspired from an Israeli design. There are built-in foam panels on the belt to assist flotation, making it easier to carry heavy loads when going through water. The suspenders of this early model are wider at the bottom and don’t look like the newer ones. This model is designed for ALICE pouches and was used by US Navy SEALS in rifleman or gunner configuration from the 1990s to early 2000s. The BHI rig featured here is an authentic Navy SEAL rig.
Field picture from SWG: Fleet week NYC, Year 2000, U.S. Navy SEAL demo.
